Memorization can often be a difficult task, especially when faced with large texts with complex information. A simple yet effective technique known as “repeating twice” can significantly help here. This method involves hearing a passage once and repeating it twice, creating a powerful framework for embedding information in your memory. See how it works and why it is very effective.
1. Lead Once, Repeat Twice
The foundation of this technique is straightforward: listen to or read a line of text once, and then repeat it twice. This initial step ensures that the information is registered in your brain, beginning the process of memorization.
2. Expand the Logic
Step 1: Start with a single line. Hear it once, then repeat it twice. This initial repetition helps establish a basic understanding of the text. In this phase, if necessary, you can split the text into sections. Set your pronunciation right.
Step 2: Move to two lines. Hear them once, then repeat them twice. This not only reinforces the first line but also introduces the second, creating a linkage in your memory.
Step 3: Progress to a paragraph. Hear the entire paragraph once, then repeat it twice. At this time, you have trained your brain and it has got accustomed to the repetition process, making it easier to retain more information.
3. The Magic of Daily Repetition
Repetition over multiple days enhances retention. Here’s why:
Consistent Reinforcement: By repeating the same material every day, you reinforce neural pathways, making recall easier and more reliable.
Fixed Timing: Repeating at the same time each day, especially in the morning, maximizes your brain’s natural absorption power.
Focused Attention: The act of repeating twice demands attention. If you’re not paying attention the first time, the second repetition will highlight gaps in your understanding, forcing you to listen carefully.
Personal Experience: The Vedic Hymn Memorization
Recently, I joined a group session where we were asked to memorize a lengthy Vedic hymn. Our teacher would recite the passage once, and we, the students, would repeat it twice. Although I knew the technique before and practiced it for smaller hymns, I never imagined how effective this would be for lengthy ones. However, to my surprise, it became manageable and even easy over time.
The key was the repetition. In each session, we would hear and repeat, embedding the Vedic hymn deeper into our memories. The requirement to repeat twice forced us to listen attentively the first time, knowing we had to reproduce it immediately after. Over several days, what once seemed overwhelming became second nature.
The Role of Timing and Routine
An important aspect of this method is the timing and routine. Repeating the hymn at the same time every day, especially in the morning, leverages the brain’s highest receptivity. That may be the reason schools and colleges maintain fixed schedules when it is natural for our brains to thrive. This regularity not only aids in memory retention but also creates a disciplined approach to learning.
Why Memorization
Memorization helps to enhance memory and recall capabilities, improve focus and concentration, develop cognitive skills, boost the brain’s plasticity, and strengthen language proficiency. It also supports success in academics, promotes long-term brain health, and helps preserve cultural and historical knowledge.
The Vedic knowledge for many centuries was also preserved with memorization and passing from one generation to another. You must have heard the popularized term “Sanskrit effect” by Dr James Hartzell refers to the cognitive benefits derived from the rigorous memorization practices involved in learning and reciting Sanskrit texts, such as the Vedas. Studies have suggested that these practices can enhance memory and cognitive functions, leading to better brain structure and function, particularly in areas associated with verbal memory.
Try It and See the Results
If you’re looking to memorize a lengthy passage, whether it’s a hymn, a speech, or a passage of text, give the ‘repeating twice’ method a try. Start with a single line, hear it once, repeat it twice. Gradually build up to more lines and eventually paragraphs, maintaining daily practice. You will most likely find that the challenging hymns can become easy to memorize.
Focusing your attention and practicing daily repetition, can transform a seemingly impossible memorization task into a capable and even enjoyable process. Try for yourself and share your experience with this method. If possible, measure and see if the ability to absorb and retain the passage improves over time.
References:
Featured image: https://news.mit.edu/2017/brain-waves-reflect-different-types-learning-1011
(The author would like to thank Laxman for his comments and feedback for writing the article.)
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